This is a fair requirement for several reasons. First of all, developed countries often reached this development by polluting the environment. Pollutants such as pesticides, insecticides, coal, gas and oil were responsible for the industrialization of these countries, as well as the initial pollution of the planet.
Moreover, these countries usually have the highest levels of consumption and pollution per capita, as they enjoy a higher standard of living. Higher standards usually means the use of more resources.
Finally, these countries are the ones that have enough resources, technology and education to implement policies that can help the environment recover from human activity.